Event

The women behind ‘Other Paths To God’, a National New Play Network rolling premiere coming to Chicago (left to right): Myesha-Tiara (Perceptions Theatre), Kelundra Smith (Atlanta-based playwright, write r), and India Nicole Burton (Coalescence Theatre Project, producer) Perceptions Theatre and Coalescence Theatre Project are joining forces to bring Other Paths to God, a new play by award-winning playwright Kelundra Smith, to Chicago audiences as part of a National New Play Ne

Westfield Old Orchard, Chicagoland’s premier shopping center and lifestyle destination, will offer a full lineup of seasonal experiences throughout November and December, giving guests more ways to gather, shop and celebrate. With its open-air setting transformed for the season, Westfield Old Orchard offers a unique backdrop for holiday traditions, from festive lights and visits with Santa to Hanukkah celebrations and community events. Seasonal décor will be featured throug

Fall event: Boozy Tea at Bar Pendry Hotel Autumn at Château Carbide | October 1-November 7: New this season, Château Carbide will introduce an autumn activation on its 24th-floor rooftop, featuring pumpkins, mums and seasonal décor alongside fall cocktails and a trio of pies against skyline views from the hotel’s rooftop. Boozy Tea at Bar Pendry | Saturdays, 11:00 am-3:00 pm | October 3-December 26: Bar Pendry’s Boozy Tea returns this fall with tiered sweet and savory bites,

The Drunk Shakespeare Society Brings a Hilarious Holiday Show for One Month Only Drunk Christmas Carol, presented by the Drunk Shakespeare Society, brings a boozy twist on Charles Dickens’ holiday classic to Chicago for a limited run at The Lion Theatre from Nov. 11, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027 giving audiences a chance to plan a holiday outing filled with comedy, audience participation and festive cocktails. One daring actor takes five shots of whiskey before attempting an e

Photo: Club Athletic Club Athletic, the New York-born social fitness community transforming training into collective pursuit, is making its Midwest debut with the launch of its first two Chicago studios: Old Town Athletic and Lake Street Athletic. The announcement comes shortly after Old Town Athletic officially opened its doors at 1350 N. Wells Street on September 21. Ahead of Lake Street Athletic’s October 12 grand opening at 1035 W. Lake Street, the studio is hosted a two-

Playwright Crystal Roman brings conversations about Black and Latina identity, colorism, cultural history, and representation to the stage. Identity, culture, and belonging are at the center of Black Latina: A Play, a nationally touring production by playwright Crystal Roman that explores the experiences of Black Latina women and the complexities of navigating race, ethnicity, and womanhood in America. Returning to Chicago for a three-day run in partnership with Urban Theater

Lazy Dog Restaurants, known for its made-from- scratch food and drink using seasonally inspired ingredients, is leaning into comfort-food season with a new seasonal menu filled with familiar favorites, bold flavors and a few unexpected twists. Beginning October 7, guests can discover a lineup of new dishes, a new handcrafted TV Dinner, three new seasonal cocktails and two new non-alcoholic beverages, including a shareable cocktail for the whole crew to enjoy. “Fall is all abo

This September 21–27, Westfield Old Orchard is hosting its first-ever Foodie Week, welcoming guests to seven days of tasting menus, special offers and more across participating food and beverage retailers. With options ranging from Italian and Japanese to Mexican, burgers, coffee and sweets, Foodie Week offers a fun way to gather with friends and family, try something new and enjoy some of the dining options throughout Old Orchard. Participating restaurants include: Bar Sie

NEW YORK – Sept. 3, 2026 – BET today announced the return of SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, presented by Spotify and Toyota, airing Friday, Nov. 27 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT on BET and simulcast on CBS for the first time ever, along with BET HER, VH1, MTV2 and LOGO. Taped in the city where Don Cornelius launched the original “Soul Train” more than 50 years ago, the show will celebrate the artists, music and enduring legacy of “Soul Train” through a dynamic night of performances and special momen

Broadway Company of Operation Mincemeat. Photo by Matt Crockett OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited two-week engagement, September 29 – October 11, on its North American leg of its World Tour. In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stole

The Queens-born restaurant that earned Michelin Guide recommendations for nine consecutive years brings its celebrated soup dumplings and Shanghainese comfort food to Chicago’s River North Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, the Michelin-recommended New York restaurant celebrated for its handcrafted soup dumplings and authentic Shanghainese cuisine, will open its newest location in Chicago this summer at 33 W Ontario St in River North. Founded in Flushing, Queens in 2006, Nan Xiang Xi

Becky Robison is a writer and certified death doula living in Louisville, Kentucky. After her parents died, she created My Parents Are Dead: What Now?—a website documenting her journey through the legal, financial, and bureaucratic aftermath in order to help others do the same.

Anna Marie Abbate as Carole King The Highland Park Players are proud to present the Tony Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, running July 17–26 at the McGrath Performing Arts Center, located at 3461 Illinois Road in Wilmette. Performances will take place on July 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on July 19, 25, and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Directed by Catherine Davis, Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s rise from teenag

Skokie Theatre One of the North Shore's most recognizable cultural landmarks is preparing for a new era. The historic Skokie Theatre, which first opened in 1912 and has operated continuously as a theater for more than a century, is being reimagined as The Skokie—a community-focused arts and entertainment venue that will honor its history while introducing a fresh vision for live performances, creative programming, and cultural experiences. Located at 7924 N. Lincoln Avenue in

Actor, Improv and Sketch Comic Jason Salmon Comedy fans can look forward to a weekend of laughs as comedian Jason Salmon takes the stage at The Comedy Vault in Batavia, Illinois, for four performances on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1. Known for blending everyday observations with offbeat humor, Salmon has earned a loyal following through his stand-up specials, viral online videos, and appearances on television and film. His comedy has been described as "the best adv

Westfield Old Orchard, Chicagoland's premier shopping center and lifestyle destination, is bringing summer to life with a full season of programming and community events. From free live concerts to family-friendly activities and new store openings, summer at Old Orchard promises something for everyone. Headlining the season is the return of the "Summer of Sound" concert series, bringing free, open-air performances to the heart of Old Orchard. This year's lineup features tw

Lazy Dog Restaurant is inviting pet lovers across the country to celebrate National Dog Day with their four-legged companions during a special four-day event from August 24–27. Known for its welcoming, dog-friendly patios, the restaurant is pairing the celebration with a charitable initiative that supports therapy animal programs nationwide. Throughout the promotion, Lazy Dog will donate $1 to Pet Partners for every Dog Bowl purchased in-restaurant. Pet Partners is a nonprofi

Gateway’s Music Festival kicks off its 2026 spring season with an exciting lineup, including a historic collaboration between Firebird and the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem. The season will also feature a special homecoming celebration honoring festival founder Armenta Hummings Dumisani, celebrating her legacy and contributions to the arts. Audiences can look forward to powerful performances, cultural moments, and unforgettable experiences that highlight the festival’s com

In 2026, the group will also celebrate a historic milestone with the unveiling of their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing their global influence and enduring legacy.

The Jazz Institute of Chicago brings festival energy to the heart of winter with its annual Winter Jazz Fair, transforming the Chicago Cultural Center into a vibrant hub of live music, conversation, and community. The event celebrates Chicago’s jazz legacy while spotlighting the artists shaping its future.